686 and Scion Racing Debut "Numeric" Snowboarding Concept Car

11/14/2011

Los Angeles, CA (November 14, 2011) — 686 and Scion are pleased to introduce the world’s first and only car solely dedicated to snowboarding, “Numeric”. Built for snowboarders by snowboarders, the car is the caveat in the 20th anniversary celebration for 686.

686 teamed up with Scion Racing and Spin Imaging to develop the one-of-a-kind custom winter masterpiece. The Numeric is based off of Scion’s xB model. Never before has a car been re-created, re-developed and re-invigorated in such a unique manner. Each aspect of the build was directly inspired from a product and brand that’s progressively pushed snowboarding to new levels.

Each involved brand brought a unique twist to Numeric’s look. The snow specific tires reflect NB686 snowboarding boots and are branded as New Balance tires. The top of the car is designed like a Bern protective carbon fiber helmet, complete with their patented brim technology. The windshield is designed from Dragon’s APX frameless goggle and offers full peripheral view inside the car. The Sparco modified seats are inspired from actual Union team snowboard bindings and are constructed in a high-back cup shaped form. The sound system is engineered and designed by the Skullcandy team, which used their premiere Aviator headphones as inspiration. GoPro came in with their POV expertise in visual racing mirrors and interior mapping. Vestal watches and their ZR-3 Chronograph inspired the custom built time gauges. The devil is in the details and Freewaters sandals clearly did this in the first ever heated floor mats. BOA Technology added their “dialed” in fit to the cars heating and cooling system. Recco Avalanche Rescue systems supplied their sophisticated radar technology on the road and mountain terrain. Blind skateboards legendary artist, Marc Mckee provided his custom touch to the interior panels. To finalize the winter shred story, 686’s technical textile background pushed manufacturing boundaries by successfully wrapping the world’s first and only fully functional waterproof and breathable snowboarding outerwear vehicle, complete with stitched panels, laser welded seams, waterproof zipper and mesh venting.

”The 686 Scion Numeric is a dream come true,” says Michael Akira West, president and creative director at 686. “What better way to celebrate our twentieth anniversary by doing something that’s never been done before? Every part of this build has a story and a separate product that it was inspired from. I’m psyched we were able to show it to the world, our way.”

“The 686 build is incredible,” says Steve Hatanaka, Scion auto show and special events manager, “The collaboration of the action sports lifestyle and automotive is a perfect fit for the Scion brand! The hard work of so many people and brands came together to make it happen, and we are very proud of the outcome. It is one of the most unique cars we’ve done to date and the synergy of the final product is amazing. We look forward to showcasing it during the auto show season, with tuner fans and at the action sports shows around the world.”

The action sports industry will get its first look at the vehicle in the 686 booth at SIA in Denver from January 26-29, 2012.